Cowboys find solutions!

Radio contact with Kito de Pavant this Monday 3 January at 12:30:

“We’re making every effort to make headway! Since yesterday evening, the wind is not being very cooperative. We were among three yachts fighting our way yesterday afternoon and we were close to Virbac-Paprec 3 who passed us leeward, then the wind changed to the northwest. We tacked at the same time, only they got away, and we were left stuck where we are until midday today, doing a succession of manoeuvres and stacking (moving equipment on board to the other side of the yacht). It’s a little frustrating. We’ve just hit a little west wind, but it’s still light. In the wrong place at the wrong time, it sounds as though it’s “as luck would have it”. Let’s hope that the gap isn't too great before we reach Gibraltar, which could be an important stage of the race. However, it’s not over yet! We are not yet out of the “Med” and the finish is in Barcelona in three months.

For the moment we are really racing in "Figaro” mode. We have not yet succeeded in finding the right pace. We must drive Groupe Bel forward at all costs. We are changing and trimming the sails continuously. We must not let anything slip away. With our contenders, we are all going roughly at the same speed. It’s the small details that are going to count. We will find a solution and make our come back! Otherwise, for the postcard, it’s magnificent: Sierra Nevada, sunny day, heat, all that’s missing is the wind!”